The link between short sleep and methamphetamine use in women
Official title: Short Sleep Duration as a Predictor of Methamphetamine Intake: Role of Orexin Mechanisms
Funded at University of Mississippi Med Ctr · NIH-11138772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how not getting enough sleep might make women more likely to use methamphetamine, focusing on a brain chemical called orexin that helps control sleep. By watching female monkeys, researchers hope to understand how sleep and drug use are connected, which could help us find better ways to treat addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $799,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058666-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult females who experience short sleep duration and may be at risk for methamphetamine use or addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with sleep duration or are not at risk for methamphetamine use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how insufficient sleep may lead to increased methamphetamine intake, particularly focusing on adult females. The study examines the role of orexin, a brain chemical that regulates sleep, in influencing sleep patterns and substance use behaviors. By observing the sleep and drug intake patterns in female rhesus monkeys, researchers aim to uncover biological mechanisms that could explain the connection between sleep duration and addiction. The findings could provide insights into how sleep quality affects addiction risk and inform potential treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions for preventing or treating methamphetamine addiction by addressing sleep issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between sleep patterns and substance use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi Med Ctr
Jackson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berro, Lais F — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Berro, Lais F
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.